With Painted Words

Toy Airplane

by JD DeHart DeHart

Toy Airplane of the future,

my goggled face takes you in

as I play at being thirty-something.

 

My hand grips you and spins

just like all the action figures of my

stellar youth.

 

I grew up on a planet not

far from here, with only one red light

and a corner market.

 

Now I’m a space junk collector,

and you’re my latest treasure.

 

Imagine my surprise when I find

you are a living thing, and I am duty-bound

to set you free.